Zelenskyy Cites Oleshky Truce as Proof De-escalation Works
Ukraine’s president argues the recent evacuation proves Russia can take steps toward peace, while the US signals growing interest in a limited Black Sea ceasefire for grain and energy.
By Hassan Okoye ·
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Saturday that the humanitarian operation in Oleshky proves de-escalation with Russia is achievable. The Ukrainian president made these remarks during a news conference in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He described the evacuation as a clear example of Russia taking steps toward de-escalation when placed in a position requiring such action.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strong decisions to bring peace. He said Russia must receive signals at every level that there is no alternative to peace. He also stressed that support for Ukraine will not diminish. The statement came as evacuees from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky crossed into Ukrainian-held territory on Saturday.
The localised ceasefire in the Kherson region was brokered by the United States. It is expected to continue until Sunday evening. Evacuees wrapped in Ukrainian flags stepped off buses at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to reunite with family members. The residents described their time under occupation to the news agency Agence France-Presse.
Valera, a 29-year former resident, said people had to eat grass and dogs to survive. He noted that residents grew grass for cooking because there was nothing else to eat. He described the area as brutal and terrifying, mentioning piles of bodies on the roads and numerous cars. He called their rescue a blessing.
In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is growing international interest in a limited Black Sea ceasefire. The goal is to ensure unfettered shipments of energy and grain from both Russia and Ukraine. Rubio stated that the US is reviewing proposals from Turkey and India to facilitate grain shipments. These efforts continue alongside the US push for a broader negotiated settlement.
Rubio spoke to reporters in Atlanta after a two-day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting. The meeting included Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, despite objections from European and Canadian leaders. Rubio said partial deals to halt attacks on ships carrying grain and energy are gaining interest. He noted that the current situation threatens global food and energy security.
Zelenskyy and Erdoğan discussed the possibility of trilateral talks in early November. The talks would involve Ukraine, Russia, and the US. They also explored ways to involve Turkey and Europe in the process. Erdoğan said attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable. He urged both sides to act responsibly and continue talks to restore navigation safety.
Erdoğan said he cannot accept attacks under any circumstances, regardless of who carries them out or what justification is offered. Zelenskyy accused Russia of making the situation in the Black Sea difficult. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military announced it hit a major missile fuel producer in Russia’s Rostov region overnight.
The Ukrainian general staff said the attack targeted the state-owned Kombinat Kamensky chemical and defence enterprise in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky. The strike involved Ukrainian drones and the Neptune coastal missile system. The attack caused a fire and damaged four production facilities at the site.
